Abstract
This study aimed to ascertain whether a group of young Australians meet the recommended dietary intake (RDI) for calcium, zinc and iron and to explore the effect of dietary modifications to correct any mineral deficiencies on dietary fat consumption. A group of healthy young Australian adults being trained as health professionals were requested as part of their coursework to undertake a computer-assisted analysis of their diet. Participants were requested to assess their usual diet with respect to their calcium, iron and zinc consumption and to undertake dietary changes to correct any deficiencies detected. Computer analysis was then used to describe the impact of such dietary modifications on the fat consumption profile of participants. Other measures taken included body mass index (BMI), waist measurement and the zinc tally test. Although all the males in this study had an adequate dietary intake of iron, almost half the females had an inadequate intake. Over half of the participants failed to meet the RDI for zinc and 40% failed to meet an RDI of 800 mg day -1 for calcium. All but one male participant were able to develop an acceptable diet which improved their consumption of the deficient mineral. The dietary changes implemented did modify their fat consumption profile, but in many cases this was still largely consistent with cardiovascular health. In males, increased iron consumption resulting from such changes may deserve further attention. It can be concluded that a number of young Australians appear to have an inadequate dietary intake of calcium, zinc and/or iron (in females). Dietary changes can largely correct such deficiencies; however, cognizance should be taken of the impact of such changes on dietary cardiovascular risk factors.